Lukas Dragicevic signs entry-level contract with Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken have signed prospect Lukas Dragicevic to a three-year, entry-level contract worth $950,000 per season.

The Kraken drafted Dragicevic with the 57th pick in 2023 after having one of the most productive seasons of any defensive prospect. He had 15 goals and 60 assists in 68 games with the Tri-City Americans in 2022-23, earning himself WHL first-team all-star honors.

His offense fell in 2023-24, but he still had 14 goals and 50 points in 66 games in a year that saw Tri-City come last in the U.S. Division. He led all defensemen on Tri-City in scoring and finished 15th in the league in an otherwise solid season for the 18-year-old. Internationally, Dragicevic won bronze at the U-18 World Championship last spring – his second run with the team.

Dragicevic’s father, Milan Dragicevic, is a former Tri-City player himself. He had a short stint there between time with the Regina Pats, New Westminster Bruins, Spokane Chiefs and Victoria Cougars. Milan spent four years with Acadia University before turning his attention to coaching, where he has bounced around various levels throughout his career. He currently serves as Delta Hockey Academy Prep’s U-18 coach.

Dragicevic’s offensive game is exciting, but he still struggles defensively. If he’s going to make a realistic run at becoming a full-time NHLer, Dragicevic will need to limit his puck-handling mistakes and defensive miscues in his own zone.

Dragicevic joins Eduard Sale as just the second player signed from the team’s 2023 NHL Draft class. Notable players who remained unsigned include Carson Refkopf, Oscar Fisker Molgaard, and Caden Price.

The Kraken currently sit 15 points out of a wild-card spot, with the team likely to miss the postseason for the second time in three years. The Kraken will face off against Anaheim later tonight before hosting the Dallas Stars Saturday night.